Wedding PartyWedding Party
Jackson SmithJackson Smith
Best Man
Brandon and Jackson met at Elmhurst College as graduate assistant football coaches in 2018. Their first interaction you ask? Jackson walked up confident on Brandon's interview and said "It's Ben right?" What a way to start an interview process! From there Jackson and Brandon built a bond through late nights, dip cans and energy drinks. Jackson has always been like a big brother to Brandon, helping him grow up and mature, while also sharing the same humor and many great nights out. It is with great honor that Jackson is standing by as Brandon's best man on this step in Brandon's journey of life.
Claire WhiteClaire White
Maid of Honor
Laura couldn't envision her wedding day without her little sister, Claire. While Laura was always the "leader" growing up (playing school, bossing Claire around, telling her what to do...) Claire certainly has taken the lead in their adult lives. Laura looks up to Claire not only as a sister and friend, but also as a role model for what it means to become a wife and mother someday. Laura appreciates how Claire supports her in every way, whether it is moments of advice, countless days at their family house on Lake George, or by her side climbing up a 14er in Colorado. Claire is one of the strongest women in Laura's life, and is honored to stand by her side as Maid of Honor.
Eric TracyEric Tracy
Officiant
Eric is doubling as a groomsman and officiant and Laura and Brandon could not be more proud. Eric and Brandon are like-minded individuals who strive to "Go One More" and push themselves in whatever they do. In February of 2026, Brandon and Eric took on the Austin Marathon alongside one another and have built a bond over the last three years. Brandon is so proud to call Eric a brother in law and is so proud to watch Eric in everything that he does. Additionally, Laura is honored to have her one and only brother tie her and Brandon together, and looks up to him in so many ways. Whether it is his endless commitment to his country through serving in the Air Force, or the many ways he is rooted to their hometown area of Rhinelander, Eric truly has a heart of gold! We cannot imagine anyone better to help lead us through our special commitment.
Miranda MartyMiranda Marty
Bridesmaid
Since the moment that Laura and Miranda (Marty) met on their first day of work at Atlas, they knew instantly that they would be inseparable. Between connecting over their shared family upbringings (both families from northern Wisconsin) or countless moments cheering on the Packers at Tony's, Laura and Miranda have always been the "other half" of each other in Colorado Springs. Whether it is a weekend in the mountains going up to the casino town of Cripple Creek, going to see Turnpike Troubadours at Red Rocks, or getting "cyced" at one of Miranda's spin rides at Cycology studio.. there truly are too many memories to count over the years. Miranda is Laura's closest person in Colorado, and a lifelong friendship that can never be broken.
Colter DanekasColter Danekas
Groomsman
Colter was introduced to Brandon's life via his sister Kelsey through one of the toughest times and has been a true brother ever since. Colter is one of the most genuine and calm people you will ever meet in your life. Through advice, watching Colter as a husband, dad and friend Brandon has admired Colter both from a far and as a roommate. Brandon is honored to have Colter stand with him and support him on one of the most important days of his life.
Kelsey DanekasKelsey Danekas
Bridesmaid
Since the moment that Laura met Brandon, Kelsey has been so welcoming and kind to help Laura feel welcomed into the family. They have enjoyed memories like exploring local restaurants in Colorado Springs, going to see the Red Clay Strays at Ford Amphitheater, and spending time with their families. Laura always loves to enjoy a glass of crisp white wine with Kelsey and make fun of how much Brandon is just like Willie... (okay, maybe Kelsey too). Laura is honored to have Kelsey by her side, and looks up to her so much as both a sister-in-law and how strong of a mother and wife she is to her family.
Korey MapleKorey Maple
Groomsman
Korey was always more than a cousin to Brandon growing up, he was a brother in every sense of the word. From putting Brandon in the "washing machine" at the pool, to tormenting him while babysitting, to setting the example of what hard work looked like in the face of adversity at Kaneland High School. Korey was always a role model to Brandon, from wearing his jersey on Friday nights, to giving advice and sending bible verses - one that is tattooed on Brandon (James 1:12). Korey it is with great satisfaction that you are standing up for Brandon and here for him!
Molly WalkerMolly Walker
Bridesmaid
Laura and Molly met early in high school and bonded over things like sports, riding around in Molly's maroon Buick listening to music, working late nights at Holiday Acres resort, and overall too many crazy nights and memories to count... "Molls" is one of those friends that no matter how much time passes, they always pick up right back where they left off. Every time that Laura comes home to Rhinelander, she loves spending time not only with Molly but her entire family, as Laura has grown to love. She is such an incredible friend and mother, and Laura could not be more honored to have her standing by her side.
Kyle MapleKyle Maple
Groomsman
Number 8. Kyle set the standard and expectations for both Korey and Brandon at Kaneland High School. Before there were social media influencers and trainers, there was Kyle Maple. Kyle is one of the strongest, most admirable people that Brandon had the honor to grow up learning from. Despite being ten years apart in age, Brandon always knew he could learn from Kyle, even dressing as him for halloween one year. Kyle, Brandon is so proud to have you standing in his wedding.
Amy DeckerAmy Decker
Bridesmaid
On Laura's first day of 3rd grade at Rhinelander Catholic Central, she was a shy little girl who just moved into town.. and true to her personality, Amy became her first friend. Ever since that day, Laura and Amy bonded over things like skiing/snowboarding, girl scouts, sports, and everything in between. Even since moving across the country to places like Colorado, Utah, and Alaska... Laura and Amy have had an inseparable bond. One thing that Laura admires most about Amy is her outgoing spirit, how she never lets anything stand in the way of her family or dreams. No matter how far apart they are, Amy and Laura always seem to motivate each other to keep chasing their biggest dreams, and Laura can't wait to celebrate these special moments in the mountains with one of her closest friends.
Rob ChristopherRob Christopher
Groomsman
Rob has always been the style and humor influence for Brandon, going so far as to ask him for pictures of his wedding suit. Rob has been a constant in Brandon's life helping him relate and understand the difficult sides of mental health and awareness. During times of confusion and uncertainty Rob offered Brandon a chance to work in his workshop and open up their dialogue. From there Brandon has had the utmost love and respect for Rob. From family holiday parties drinking until the sun starts shining to text messages back and forth about the Bears, Rob has always been there. It's a no brainer that Rob is there for Brandon on wedding day.
Gabriela CejaGabriela Ceja
Bridesmaid
Laura and Gaby met through mutual friends, and have had so many memories over the years! Whether it is hiking in the mountains, camping, skiing and enjoying the beauty that Colorado has to offer, or having girls nights in Colorado Springs, Laura and Gaby always know how to make the most of their time together. Laura appreciates how upbeat Gaby always is, seeing the positives and bringing such light to any room she walks into. She is truly a "girl's girl", and Laura is honored to have her by her side on this important day.
Cash DanekasCash Danekas
Ring Bearer
Cash is the sole nephew of Brandon and Laura (Brandon's side). He was the no brainer pick as the ring bearer for this special day. We could not be happier and prouder to see Cash grow up so much over the course of our relationship. He instantly drops everything he is doing when he sees Brandon and Laura and embraces them by shouting their names and giving them the best hugs. He is an expert in helping the bride and groom burn some energy off their dog Breck, he torments her for hours on end. Cash you mean so much to us and we cannot wait to make you a part of this great experience - Uncle B, Aunt Laura and Breck love you so much!
Charlotte and Camilla WhiteCharlotte and Camilla White
Flower Girl
Both Charlotte (6) and Camilla White (3) are Laura's nieces, and she couldn't be more honored that they will be the flower girls for this special day. It brings back so many memories when Laura and Claire were flower girls for their own aunt's wedding way back in the day (fun fact... the girls are going to be wearing the same exact dresses 🥹) . Although distance has separated them over the years, Laura cherishes every single moment that she has with both Charlotte and Camilla. She loves to see how they have grown into such strong, kind, and courageous young girls, and can't wait to see how beautiful they are walking ahead of her down the aisle. Auntie Laura loves you so, so much!